F1: All the permutations ahead of the three-way showdown in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris’ failure to score enough points at the Qatar Grand Prix last weekend means we’re in for a three-way showdown atthe Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Last weekend’s race winner, Max Verstappen, and Norris’ McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, are still in the hunt. The Dutch driver is 12 points adrift of Norris, and the Australian is 16 points behind.

Norris heads into the final race with an advantage, and he and Piastri are aiming to win a world driver’s title for the first time. Verstappen has four titles under his belt and could become the second driver to win five in a row, equalling Michael Schumacher’s record. 

Let’s break down the scenarios of what each driver must do to win the championship on Sunday.

Bet here for F1 Drivers’ Championship

What must each driver do to win the title?

The British driver heads into the weekend as favourite at 1.25, with Verstappen at 3.50 and Piastri at 15.00.

If Norris finishes on the podium, i.e, first, second, or third place, then he’ll win his maiden F1 driver’s title, whatever else happens.

Verstappen can win the title if he wins the Abu Dhabi GP for the fifth time and Norris does not finish on the podium.

Piastri, the outsider for the championship, can win the title if he claims the race victory and his teammate finishes sixth or lower.

What did all three drivers say ahead of the final race of the season?

Lando: “The final race, Abu Dhabi. I’m excited. Last year, we had the Constructors’ Championship to go for, and this year, we go in as Champions, with another important Championship to win. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve achieved.

“It’s been an incredible season. We have an incredible car. I’m proud of everyone in the team. Thank you to all of our fans. We’ve got one more race, and we’ll give it everything.”

Oscar said, “Qatar was one of my strongest weekends in F1. The aim for Abu Dhabi is to replicate that and do everything I can for the race win.

“I will give it my all and make sure I leave no points on the table in this final race.”

Verstappen commented to F1.com on how he is dealing with the pressure of the title fight: “Having these wins again is fantastic. So, I just take it – everything here is just a bonus, sitting here fighting for the title. So that’s also what makes it very straightforward for me. We will just try to have a good weekend. But then even then, it’s not really in my control, you know? So we just, yeah, like I said, try to enjoy it.”